Lexus NX (2014 – 2021) | Expert Rating [hide]
Summary
The Lexus NX is a medium-sized premium SUV/crossover, which sits between the smaller UX and larger RX in the Lexus SUV range. This model arrived in the UK in late 2014 and ended production in 2021, including a mid-life update in late 2018.
Originally offered with either pure petrol or petrol-electric hybrid powertrains, for the last few years of its life it was only available in hybrid format, known as the NX 300h.
The NX received mixed reviews from the UK motoring media throughout its life, with scores ranging from below average to very good. However, the premium mid-sized SUV market is full of very talented rivals, and the NX’s Expert Rating of 55% at the end of its life put it in the bottom half of the class.
The Lexus NX received particular praise for its build quality and interior fitout, which were considered to be as good as any rivals in this segment. However, the NX was criticised for lifeless driving dynamics, a poor infotainment system and a harsh ride compared to the leading cars in this segment.
In a 2020 What Car? survey of the 50 most reliable cars in the UK up to eight years old, the Lexus NX ranked an outstanding 5th place.
An all-new Lexus NX was revealed in June 2021 and began arriving in the UK at the end of the year.
Key specifications
Body style: Medium SUV/crossoverEngines: petrol-electric hybrid
Price: From £36,300 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2014Last updated: Winter 2018/19
End of production: Autumn 2021
Image gallery
Media reviews
Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“The Lexus NX has distinctive styling and a classy, well built cabin, although the driving experience could be better.”
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Model reviewed: 300h PremierScore: 6 / 10“Updates to the NX aren’t significant enough to change its standing within the mid-size SUV class. The Lexus remains a striking, well-built and stylish family SUV, but it’s neither practical nor comfortable enough to trouble the best in the sector.”
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Autocar
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“The new Lexus NX is not without merit but the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and BMW X3 remain the more appealing choices.”
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Car
Model reviewed: 200tScore: 6 / 10“The appeal of the Lexus NX can certainly be understood: the looks, the refinement, the inevitable reliability. But the NX 300h is available for less money than the 200t, offers greater efficiency, is hardly any slower and has the extra image bonus of suggesting you prefer higher living by hybrid.”
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Model reviewed: 300hScore: 8 / 10“The Lexus NX has a sense of style and purpose about it that suggests you’ll have to spend less time thinking up excuses for choosing one than other Lexus’s might require. It’s thoroughly pleasant to drive, spacious and – in the right environment – likely to prove efficient as well.”
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Carbuyer
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6.6 / 10“The Lexus NX has unique looks and a desirable interior, but a firm ride, small boot and lack of engine choice may put off buyers.”
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Carwow
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 7 / 10“The Lexus NX is an SUV with a striking design, great equipment levels and the option of a hybrid drivetrain. However, it’s quite expensive and doesn’t quite have the breadth of talents that an Audi Q5 can demonstrate.”
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed: Score: 6 / 10“The Lexus NX 300h is a sporty-looking hybrid SUV that’s luxurious and comfortable, but loses out to plug-in rivals for efficiency and driving fun.”
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Evo
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“Distinctive and beautifully made, but no good to drive.”
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Honest John
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 8 / 10“Engine noise aside, the Lexus NX is a good SUV. It’s incredibly refined, beautifully built and has a superb quality interior. It’s also spacious with good room in the back and a decent boot.”
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Model reviewed: 200t“It looks great, has a high-quality cabin and it’s easy to live with. But then all of those attributes apply to the Lexus NX 300h hybrid. In fact the NX 200t only really makes sense if you absolutely must have the flashest, priciest model in the range. Everyone else will be happier and better off with the hybrid.”
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Parkers
Model reviewed: Range reviewScore: 9 / 10“Hybrid-only SUV with leftfield appeal”
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The Sun
Model reviewed: NX 300h“Spacious, low-emissions and top technology.”
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The Sunday Times
Model reviewed: 300h F-Sport Navi long-term test“Having one sat on your driveway indicates that you’re not at all interested in following the pack.”
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Model reviewed: 300h PremierScore: 6 / 10“Who cares if it’s slow? It’s got more toys than Hamleys.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed: NX 300h PremierScore: 6 / 10“Hugely appealing in many ways, and a relaxing SUV if driven gently, but this facelift hasn’t addressed shortcomings in the infotainment system or real-world fuel economy, and the firm ride won’t be to all tastes.”
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Top Gear
Model reviewed: Range overviewScore: 5 / 10“A car with an identity crisis – can’t decide if it wants to be a refined urban cruiser or a sporty SUV.”
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What Car?
Model reviewed: (range review)Score: 6 / 10“Makes sense on paper, but the Lexus NX is disappointing to drive compared with its rivals.”
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Which?
“Worrying emission levels.”
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Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
Overall rating: 5 stars
Date tested: December 2014
82%
ADULT OCCUPANT
82%
CHILD OCCUPANT
69%
VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
71%
SAFETY ASSIST
Read full Euro NCAP review
Expired safety rating
The Lexus NX was originally crash tested by Euro NCAP back in 2014 and awarded a five-star rating. However, this rating expired in January 2020 and is no longer valid as the car no longer meets the standards required for such a rating.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
The Lexus NX was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.
Security rating
Independent vehicle theft and security ratings from Thatcham Research
Rating: Superior | Good | Basic | Poor | Unacceptable
Relay Attack: Fail
Date: 2019
Awards
Trophies, prizes and awards that the Lexus NX received
2020
- Auto Trader Awards – Best Hybrid Car
2018
- Auto Express Driver Power Survey – Best premium mid-size SUV + Best model for reliability and build quality
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Lexus NX, you might also be interested in these alternatives
Alfa Romeo Stelvio | Audi Q5 | BMW X3 | BMW X4 | DS 7 Crossback | Genesis GV70 | Jaguar F-Pace | Mercedes-Benz GLC | Porsche Macan | Range Rover Velar | Volvo XC60
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Keyword: Lexus NX (2014 – 2021)